Beyond the Beach: Discovering Koh Chang from The Retreat

Some destinations reveal themselves slowly. Koh Chang is one of them, roving correspondent Roderick Eime reports.

At first glance, Thailand's second-largest island seems to offer exactly what visitors expect: palm-fringed beaches, warm seas and spectacular sunsets. 

Spend a little longer here, however, and a different side emerges. Dense rainforest blankets the mountains, mangrove forests line sheltered waterways and small fishing communities continue traditions that predate tourism by generations.

The Retreat Koh Chang proved an ideal base from which to discover both sides of the island.

Arriving at the family-owned resort, the first impression is one of space and tranquillity. 

Water features, tropical gardens and low-rise buildings constructed from natural materials create a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape. Rather than dominating its environment, the resort seems to blend seamlessly into it.

The guest experience reflects this philosophy. Service is polished without being intrusive, with staff displaying the genuine warmth for which Thai hospitality is famous. Conversations happen naturally, recommendations feel personal, and there is an easy rhythm to daily life around the property.

While the pools and waterfront setting make relaxation tempting, Koh Chang rewards exploration.

One morning begins with a journey through a network of mangrove waterways aboard a traditional wooden boat. Gliding silently beneath overhanging branches, the island feels worlds away from Thailand's busier tourist centres. 

Birdlife darts among the roots while local fishermen tend their boats along the banks. It's a reminder that nature remains central to life here.

Back on land, the island's rainforest reveals another dimension. Koh Chang is home to one of Thailand's richest botanical environments, with more than a thousand recorded plant species thriving in the island's exceptionally wet climate. Waterfalls tumble from forested hillsides and hiking trails offer opportunities to experience an ecosystem that has remained remarkably intact.

The resort encourages guests to engage with these natural assets through curated excursions, wellness experiences and cultural encounters. Island-hopping adventures, paddle boarding, kayaking and cooking experiences provide alternatives to the traditional fly-and-flop beach holiday.

Dining also reflects a strong sense of place. Fresh seafood sourced from nearby communities features prominently, while locally inspired flavours sit comfortably alongside contemporary presentation. Sunset dinners beside the water quickly become a highlight.

What makes The Retreat Koh Chang memorable is not simply the quality of the accommodation or the beauty of its setting. Rather, it is the way the property connects guests with the island itself.

In an era when many tropical resorts could be located just about anywhere, The Retreat succeeds because it feels unmistakably part of Koh Chang. 

And Koh Chang, in turn, remains one of Thailand's most rewarding islands for travellers willing to venture beyond the beach.

More info https://theretreatkohchang.com/

Room rates begin at around $300 a night including breakfast. 

Hyatt's hip Andaz brand makes its debut in Thailand

Unless your focus is dodgy nightclubs, then Jomtein Beach is much better holiday destination than sweaty downtown Pattaya.

Hyatt Hotels this week opened the doors to its new Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach hotel property, , marking the debut of the hip Andaz brand in Thailand.

The resort sits on 6.4 hectares of beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

"With the growing demand for immersive, authentic experiences among luxury travellers, we are delighted by the launch of the vibrant Andaz brand in Thailand, one of the world's most appealing destinations," said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt.

"Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is our first Andaz resort in Thailand, adding to the brand's growing portfolio in the region, which now includes properties located in Bali, Delhi, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Tokyo and Xiamen."

Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is located between the holiday hub of Jomtien and the fishing village of Bang Saray.

 

It is within a two-hour drive from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport with the Jomtien area becoming a lifestyle leisure precinct.

"While celebrating the spirit of exploration and the individuality of each guest and immersed in an unspoiled beachside setting, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach offers low-rise clusters of rooms, suites and villas, shady courtyards, sparkling pools and creative event spaces, all of which reflect the dynamic charm of this up-and-coming destination," said Ranjeet Y. Rajebhosale, the hotel general manager.

"Through collaborations with local brands like the wellness provider, Panpuri, and artisans, we hope to create riveting experiences that will help guests reconnect with nature and discover Thai culture."

Set in low-rise clustered buildings, the hotel has 204 rooms, suites, and villas with walk-in rain showers and a balcony or terrace with a daybed.

Lagoon Access Rooms allow guests to step straight into the rippling waters of the resort pool, while the Pool Suites allow guests to cool down with a private dip at any time of day, and the Beachfront Suites are set directly on the beach.

The resort has six restaurants and bars featuring "local, seasonal, and sustainable produce" (doesn't everyone boast this nowadays?)

For more information see andazpattaya.com.

Enjoy a gastronomic adventure package in Phuket

The Slate is probably my favourite address in Phuket; a whimsical luxury resort with a serious gourmet offering. 

A new “Gastronomic Adventure” package features an immersive stay at the art-inspired resort with plenty of tasty treats in store. 

Guests signing up for the package are transported by private car to the resort, where they get either am upgrade or a complimentary bottle of bubbly. 

The tariff includes breakfast daily at the Tin Mine al fresco eatery, daily lunch or dinner at any of the resort’s venues, including one glass of wine, sparkling wine, beer, soft drink or juice per person per meal.

The half-board deal (try one of the food trucks on the beach for your other main meal) enables guests to experience Black Ginger, the award-winning Thai restaurant that appears to float above a tranquil lagoon and is only accessible by wooden raft. 

Alternatively they can choose to eat at Rivet, reimagined with an open-fired grill and smokehouse.

Packages also include 10% discount at Kru Precision Wellness and 20% off treatments at the serene Coqoon Spa, while those staying in Pearl Shell Suites will receive personal butler service, complimentary mini-bar items and a 60-minute Coqoon Rebirth massage for two people. 

There are a range of benefits available depending of accommodation choices. 

“At The Slate, we strive to curate amazing gastronomic experiences that delight and surprise in equal measure," says co-founder and owner Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong. 

"It's not only about the food; it's the entire journey: the flavours, aromas, atmosphere and activities all come together to create immersive journeys that spark conversion and live long in the memory. 

"Our ‘Gastronomic Adventure’ gives guests the chance to explore our diverse dining destinations and enjoy truly unforgettable encounters in Phuket.” 

To start planning a Gastronomic Adventure visit www.theslatephuket.com/offers/gastronomic-adventure.html. 

Rates start from THB 8,250 ($345) +++ per room per night.

To learn more see www.theslatephuket.com.